The first day of May marks a festival of great importance for all those who follow the Pagan way. We call this day 'Beltane' which means 'Fire of God,' the Sun, renews his gift of Need-Fire to the Earth Mother. The spark of life has once again been delivered. The Celtic May festival, to celebrate the arrival of summer; from Old Gaelic words meaning blaze-kindling. In Druidic times, two fires were lit, and the tribes cattle driven between them, in a purificatory rite. In later times, young men would leap over fires in tests or displays of energy and virility. On April 30th in some areas, fires burn from dusk till dawn. Beltane or May Day at dawn wash your face with dew for a good complextion and good luck throughout the year. BELTANE - The Celtic 'Flower Festival.' Marks the first day of Celtic Summer - the first day of the Light Half of the year. Date - May Eve/May 1st (psychic high-tide; full moon before May 1st). Modern Equivalent - May Day, Lilac Sunday, Lady Day Walpurgisnacht. Celtic Godforms - Belinos, Flora, Bloodeuwedd. Alignment - Male, Cross-Quarter Lunar Customs - sexual license among peasants, May Pole erection, gathering flowers, wearing green, Fire Calling, feasting, merry-making. Symbols - May Pole, daffodils, bright colors, smiling sun. Sacred Foods - sweets and sugar products, heather mead, cakes, cookies, no meat or fruit. Threshold - Dawn Incense - lilac, heather, apple blossom

Wiccans and Pagans have an animal companion that they consider their familiar. A familiar is part of the family. A familiar is often defined as an animal with whom we have a magical connection. If an animal has appeared in your life unexpectedly -- such as a stray cat that appears regularly, for instance -- it's possible that the animal may have been drawn to you magickally!